How to Clean a Kitchen Sink and Drain

With a simple routine, you can keep your kitchen sink and drain clean.

The kitchen sink is often used throughout the day. Draining, rinsing and cleaning dishes all takes place in the sink. Gradually, you may notice stubborn stains all around. Especially around the tap where you cannot reach easily, cleaning can become a headache and drain blockages can almost bring everything to a halt. Follow a few easy tips to clean the sink and drain.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Toothbrush

Instructions

1. Empty the sink of dishes and any standing water. Dampen the surface of the sink with a wet sponge.

2. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the surface. Let it stand for 10 minutes. With a scrubbing sponge, clean and rinse all sink surfaces.

3. Mix some vinegar in warm soapy water and spray or pour over the tap area. With the help of an old toothbrush, work around the corners and the back of the tap. Wipe clean. This will also sanitize the faucets.

4. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup white vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then run hot water through it. This will unclog the drain and also neutralize any odors coming out of it.

5. Clean the sink as soon as you clean your dishes every day. This will keep the sink free of dirt and germs and will not allow any stains to build up.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not let water and dirty dishes stand for a long time in the sink. This is the main cause of stubborn stains.

• Do not use ammonia and bleach. When mixed, they create toxic fumes.

References

• Eartheasy: Non-Toxic Home Cleaning
• Greener Choices: Homemade Household Cleaners